Components of Computer System
Any computer system can be mainly divided into three parts.
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
1. Hardware - The physical part of the computer machine which we can feel by touching, is called hardware. For example - keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, printer, hard disk drive, motherboard, processor, speaker etc.
2. Software - The set of instructions and programs that tell the computer what and how to do it is called software.
The hardware of the computer works according to the instructions of the software . The same hardware can perform different functions based on different software instructions. We cannot touch the software nor can we see the physical form. Thus if hardware is the body of a computer, then software is its soul.
3. Data - Data is a disorderly collection of facts and information.
Data can be divided into two types-
(i) Numerical Data - This is the data made up of numbers in which the numbers 0,1,2,..........9 are used . We can perform arithmetic operations on such data. E.g. marks of students, salary of employees etc.
(ii) Alphanumeric Data – In this letters, numbers, and symbols are used. Arithmetic operations cannot be done in this, but they can be compared. For example, the address of the employees.
4. Information : The data obtained after analysis and compilation is done on the basis of utility is called information. Thus data is disordered facts whereas information is organized data which is useful to the users.
5. Information Retrieval - The method of retrieval of information as per the requirement is called information retrieval.
6. Data Processing - The analysis of data on the basis of utility is called data processing.
7. Electronic Data Processing -The analysis of data by electronic method is called electronic data processing.
8. Instruction - The commands given to the computer to do work are called instructions.
9. Program - The set of instructions given to the computer is called a program.
10. Software - The set of programs which are responsible for the successful implementation of various functions of the computer is called software.
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